noun
flounder
A flatfish with both eyes on one side of its head.
A flounder rests on the sandy bottom of the bay.
Etymology
The Old Norse word already names the flatfish. English preserves the fish name, distinct from the verb for struggling or moving awkwardly.
More examples
- Both eyes of a flounder are on the same side.
- The fisherman releases two small flounders back into the water.
- We serve baked flounder with lemon and rice.
Forms
flounder · flounders
Similar words
- flatfish
- A broader category that includes flounders, soles, and halibuts.
- fluke
- Usually names the summer flounder, rather than flounders generally.